These smoked beef back ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with deep, beefy flavor—perfectly seasoned and slow-smoked until the meat pulls clean from the bone.

These smoked beef back ribs are a true BBQ classic—meaty, rich, and loaded with smoky flavor. Cut from the rib section of the cow, they offer a slightly leaner bite than short ribs but still deliver that deep, beefy taste you crave. Seasoned simply to let the meat shine, then slow-smoked low and slow until perfectly tender, these ribs are ideal for backyard BBQs, game day spreads, or anytime you’re craving bold, stick-to-your-ribs flavor. Whether you’re using a pellet grill, offset smoker, or kamado, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results with every bite.

Feeds 2-4 people 

Prep time 15 minutes 

Cook time 3-4 hours

Why Smoked Beef Back Ribs Work

Natural Beef Flavor Shines Through: Beef back ribs come from the same primal section as ribeye steaks, which means they carry that signature deep, rich, beefy flavor. When smoked low and slow, the fat and connective tissue render down gradually, enhancing the natural taste without overpowering it. With minimal seasoning, the smoke and meat do all the talking.

Perfect for Low and Slow Cooking: These ribs have just enough meat between and on top of the bones to benefit from the slow smoking process. Cooking them low and slow (typically at 225–275°F or 107–135°C) allows time for the connective tissue to break down, resulting in tender, juicy meat that still holds to the bone for that perfect BBQ bite.

Excellent Smoke Absorption: Beef back ribs have an open surface area and a thin layer of fat that readily absorbs smoke. This means your favorite wood (oak, hickory, mesquite, or even a blend with fruitwoods) will infuse deep into the meat, creating that crave-worthy smoke ring and bark that makes them irresistible.

Budget-Friendly Alternative to Short Ribs or Brisket: While beef short ribs and brisket often steal the spotlight, beef back ribs are a more affordable option that still deliver big flavor. They’re a great way to enjoy smoked beef without breaking the bank—and they cook faster too, usually in the 4–5 hour range, depending on size and temperature.

Ingredients 

• 1 rack of beef back ribs(the ribs i used in this recipe were 4 ½ pounds) 
• 1-2 tablespoons beef seasoning(salt, pepper & garlic seasoning will work great as well) 
• Beef spritz ½ cup beer & ½ cup water

Prep

First, score the bone side of the ribs, being careful not to remove the membrane. Since beef back ribs don’t have a lot of meat, leaving the membrane intact helps the ribs hold together and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.

Next, season your ribs generously on all sides with your favorite beef seasoning blend. Then, allow the ribs to sweat for about 30 to 40 minutes while your smoker heats up—this helps the seasoning absorb better into the meat.

Meanwhile, preheat your smoker to 250–275°F (120–135°C). For this cook, I’m using hickory wood chunks, which impart a strong, savory smoke flavor that pairs perfectly with beef.

Cooking Process

Once the smoker is ready, place the ribs directly on the grate, bone side down. Close the lid and let them smoke undisturbed for the first hour.

After one hour, start spritzing the ribs with a flavorful liquid—such as apple cider vinegar, water, or a mix with lemon juice—to keep them moist and enhance the bark formation. Continue spritzing every 30 minutes throughout the cook.

You’ll know the ribs are done when they become probe tender—meaning a meat thermometer or probe slides in with little resistance. This typically happens once the internal temperature reaches 200–205°F (93–96°C).

Once cooked, remove the ribs from the smoker and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Then, let them rest in a cooler or dry ice chest for 45 to 60 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the ribs to finish tenderizing.

Finally, slice the ribs between the bones and serve! You can enjoy them as is or plate them up with tangy pickles and your favorite BBQ sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

If you are looking for more BBQ recipes definitely check out my Pork Butt Burnt Ends or my Dino Beef Ribs

My Smoked Brisket Recipe is straightforward and easy to follow as well!